Paris Fashion Week delivered more than runway looks when Cardi B faced a question that sparked debates across social media: Shakira or Lady Gaga? The Bronx rapper didn't pause for a diplomatic answer. She immediately picked Shakira, calling the Colombian icon a sister and laughing as she made her choice clear.
For anyone following Cardi B's love of Latin music, the answer wasn't surprising. She's long been vocal about her admiration for artists from the region, and her connection to Shakira's catalog runs deep. But hearing her say it so directly, in front of cameras, still felt like a moment worth celebrating.
A bond that goes beyond music
Cardi B didn't just name Shakira as her preference. She went further, describing their relationship as sisterly. "I love her, she's like my sister," she said, according to the video that circulated online. That warmth reflects a mutual respect that has been building for years, even if the two haven't collaborated publicly.
The moment quickly went viral, with fans of both artists weighing in. Some pointed out that Cardi B's choice was less about dismissing Lady Gaga and more about honoring her deep roots in Latin culture. After all, Cardi B is of Dominican and Trinidadian descent, and she's often spoken about growing up listening to bachata, merengue, and reggaetón.
This isn't the first time Shakira's influence has crossed genres. Her recent MTV VMA nominations show how she continues to shape the global music scene. And her journey from Barranquilla to international stardom remains a source of pride for many Latinos.
The Cerati connection
The real surprise came when Cardi B revealed her favorite Shakira song. Without missing a beat, she started humming the track from Shakira's 2005 album Fijación Oral Vol. 1 — the one featuring Argentine rock legend Gustavo Cerati. That song, "No," is a haunting, melancholic duet that stands apart from Shakira's more upbeat hits.
Choosing that track shows Cardi B knows Shakira's discography beyond the radio staples. It's a deep cut that resonates with fans who appreciate the emotional range of Shakira's songwriting. Cerati, who passed away in 2014, remains a towering figure in Latin American rock, and his collaboration with Shakira is often cited as one of the best cross-genre moments in Latin music.
Cardi B's choice also highlights how Latin music's influence reaches into hip-hop and pop in ways that feel organic. She's not just name-dropping; she's engaging with the music on a personal level. That authenticity is why her fans trust her taste.
While some might see this as a playful celebrity moment, it carries weight for Latino audiences. Seeing a global superstar like Cardi B embrace Shakira's artistry — and specifically a song with Cerati — reinforces the cultural pride that comes from Latin music's global reach. It's a reminder that our artists are not just entertainers; they're ambassadors of our stories and sounds.
As the video continues to circulate, it's clear that Cardi B's loyalty to Shakira is genuine. She didn't hesitate, and she didn't hedge. She simply stated what many Latinos already knew: Shakira is more than a pop star — she's family.
